SeikoPresage, Shippo Enamel Limited Editions

Since it was first presented to the world in 2016, the Presage collection has showcased two central aspects of Seiko: the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and their long-established skill in mechanical watchmaking. The 2018 Presage collection again provides a vivid demonstration of Seiko’s ability to explore new avenues of development in both these areas.

Shippo enamel

Shippo is a particular type of enamel that was developed in Japan in the 17th century. Its main difference from porcelain enamel lies in the way it is polished after firing. The Presage Shippo enamel dial is made by Ando Cloisonne, a specialist manufacturer in Nagoya with over 100 years of history. Craftsman Wataru Totani paints the glaze by hand onto the surface of the dial that is no more than 1 mm high. To ensure that the dials comply with Seiko’s high ecological and safety standards as well as the EU’s RoHS Directive, he uses a lead-free glaze specially developed for these watches. The dial is then fired at 800 degrees Celsius. The painting and firing processes are repeated several times to ensure the evenness of the enamel. Only when Totani is completely satisfied is the dial polished so that the delicate pattern emerges and a perfect, smooth surface is achieved.

The dial on this new Presage creation is in a deep blue that mirrors the color of the ocean while the pattern echoes the continuous motion of the waves. It is via the ocean that Japan has absorbed elements of the cultures of other nations but it is equally true that the ocean has also isolated Japan from outside influences. Thanks to this ambivalence, many aspects of Japanese life, from art to industry, have arrived from across the oceans but, once in Japan, have developed in a uniquely Japanese way. Shippo enamel craftsmanship is a perfect example; it arrived from across the seas but, once here, evolved and matured in a Japanese way.

Two models

Seiko offers two new stainless-steel Presage models with Shippo enamel dial: a 3-hand version with calendar and power reserve indicator, measuring 40.6 mm in diameter, and housing the self-winding Caliber 6R27 with 45-hour power reserve (Ref. SPB073) ; and a 3-hand, 40 mm version, driven by the automatic Caliber 6R15, which guarantees 50 hours of power reserve (Ref. SPB075).

Both watches are equipped with a crocodile leather strap with three-fold clasp and push button release, and are limited to 2,500 pieces each.

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The brand

The history of Seiko is a more than 130 year story of innovation. From the very start, Kintaro Hattori was determined to be at the forefront of the industry and his oft-repeated credo was that Seiko should be “Always one step ahead of the rest.”